Hearing set for pair accused in minivan mobile meth lab case

Arrest and booking photos are provided by law enforcement officials. Arrest does not imply guilt, and criminal charges are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and convicted.

Two people who police say were in a minivan being operated as a "mobile meth lab" have preliminary hearings scheduled in November, and one faces additional charges, according to court records.

Robert C. Copley Jr., 37, of the 9000 block of Richmond Road in Toano, is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of marijuana, according to York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office.

A Norfolk woman who was riding with him, Jennifer Dawn Kendrick, 27, of the 9400 block of Selby Place, was initially charged with possession of methamphetamine, police said.

Kendrick faces additional charges that include possession of a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance and conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance, online court records show.

Kendrick and Copley have preliminary hearings scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in York General District Court.

Their charges stem from an Oct. 6 crash in the 8000 block of Route 17 southbound, near Battle Road in York County after police smelled a strange smell coming from the minivan he was driving, and later discovered what they say was a meth lab inside.

Meth is an illegal stimulant made with a toxic mix of chemicals that people snort, smoke or inject directly into their bodies. It's a controlled substance in the same class as cocaine and is highly addictive, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Copley and Kendrick are being held in Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in James City County. Both declined interview requests Tuesday through a jail spokeswoman.